Conestoga College will introduce a new four-year degree program in International Business Management, beginning in the fall of 2006, that will be well-suited to the diverse, internationally prominent economy of Waterloo Region and the surrounding area.
In the development of the program, many local business and civic leaders have voiced support. Research conducted during program development indicates that a large number of local firms have a global presence. Over 55 per cent of the regional GDP is oriented towards international trade, and 31 per cent of local firms have foreign ownership. The region also features a very culturally diverse workforce.
The new program will result in the granting of a Bachelor of Applied Business degree, making it the first baccalaureate business program at Conestoga. It is also the only such college degree program in Ontario.
As is the case with all of Conestoga's degree programs, students will benefit from a combination of theoretical studies, project-based learning and periods of co-operative education in the community.
Emphasis in the program will be on two key areas: human resources and operations management. Students will gain knowledge and skills to address the specific challenges and opportunities presented by globalization, including effective management of a multicultural workforce, risk management, working with international suppliers and clients, establishing and managing international facilities, and gaining entry into the international marketplace. The international context will be a feature of every course in the program, and graduates should be able to perform as effective managers either in Canada with the domestic arm of an international company or overseas with the foreign operations of a Canadian enterprise.
Details about the Bachelor of Applied Business - International Business Management program are posted on Conestoga's website (www.conestogac.on.ca) and accessible by clicking on the International Business Management box on the home page.
CONTACT: Frank Mensink, Dean of Business, 519-748-5220,
ext. 3245, fmensink@conestogac.on.ca